The pharmacy technician transitions to pharmacist rather easily. There is not much difference in the two but as a pharmacist you can make considerably more. The technician or “pharmacy tech” is responsible for filling prescriptions that are prescribed by the physician. They act solely under the supervision of a pharmacist. To become a pharmacy tech, you must attend a certified program in your state. Most are certificate degrees that take six months up to two years depending on the state requirements. You do not have to be a pharmacy technician to become a pharmacist, but it does give you tons of experience. The training for a pharmacy technician is not an easy one. They will touch on many classes that a pharmacist must take.

Pharmacology will look at how drugs interact with body chemistry. It will also cover a basic knowledge of pharmaceutical drug origin. The focus on chemistry will show students how drugs will form into other substances when reacting with other chemicals. It will also teach the different forms of matter at the molecular level. When taking anatomy and physiology, students will learn to observe the human body on both a macroscopic and microscopic levels. They will also be expected to understand the human organs and how they function normally.

Leaning the terminology is critical for both pharmacist and pharmacy tech. Medical and pharmaceutical terminology will teach students how to truly understand and break down a drug by its name. You will also take classes in pharmacy calculations, dosage forms, compounding medications, and drug preparation. It is imperative to understand how these dosages can effect the body. Yes, physicians do make mistakes from time to time, and in a professional manner may have to call to correct a prescription.

Many schools will also offer classes in business administration, pharmacy computing, pharmacy law, and medical billing. These classes will help with the daily activities required to process payment and keep orderly files. After completing a four year college, a pharmacist must attend a 4 year college in pharmacology. Some schools hold a 3 year curriculum where students will take classes year round. Prior to admission, you will be required to take the PCAT. Therefore it is recommended to take as many chemistry and mathematic courses as possible during your preliminary college years.

However, there are some schools that offer a “0-6” or “early assurance” program. These students do not have to take the PCAT and are guaranteed admission based upon certain criteria. Contact those schools for admission. As a pharmacy technician you will have completed most of the prerequisite classes through your certificate classes. You will need to go to college or junior college to take a class in calculus, psychology or sociology. The best method of tracking your education is to contact the pharmacy school which you wish to attend to see how many courses you will need to take prior to admittance. Also you will want to ask them if any of the courses you have taken as a pharmacy tech will count towards classes due to the fact that different states have different regulations.